Tag Archives: Short Break

Romantic Valentine breaks this February

Romantic Valentines Cottage BreaksWhat could be more romantic than a cosy cottage for just you and your loved one this Valentine’s Day?

Heading off together for some time alone and away from the stresses and strains of day to day life is the perfect tonic for any relationship, whether you are in a new romance or are a couple in their 10th, 25th or 50th year together!

A Valentine cottage break lets you set your own pace and do your own thing, whether it is chilling out together indoors or exploring the countryside on romantic walks by the river, sea or countryside.

Where to head for a Valentine’s Day Cottage Break

The UK is not short of great self catering accommodation which can make choosing a little harder so we have selected cottages and apartments that are perfect for Valentine’s inspired romantic breaks in some of the prettiest parts of the UK.Dartmouth self catering

  • Romantic breaks in South Devon.  South Devon, the English Riviera and the South Hams offer stunning coastlines, sweeping rivers, golden sandy beaches, rolling countryside, quaint fishing villages and so much more. A perfect romantic escape whether you are looking for coastline, countryside or a place to chill out. Find romantic breaks in South Devon»
  • Romantic breaks in the Lakes.  As one of the most beautiful areas of the UK, there is no better place to take your Valentine than the Lake District. With High Peaks, Open Fells and of course the great Lakes and rivers the landscape is there to be explored or just appreciated from your romantic cottage or lodge.
    Find South Lakeland Valentine breaks»
  • Peak District romance.  An area of outstanding beauty covering parts of Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire, the Peak District provides great natural beauty in the form of moors and dales. Of course there are several famous stately homes nearby for a visit. Find romantic cottages in the Peak District»
  • Romance in the Yorkshire Dales.  A drystone cottage is Yorkshire in The Dales, surrounded by the patchwork of fields and glorious countryside is an idyllic and romantic break. The Dales has some wonderful towns and villages to explore as well as tea rooms to chill out in.
    Cottages in the Yorkshire Dales»
  • Short Breaks in the CotswoldsRomance in the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is a favourite holiday destination for good reason, with its famed Cotswolds honey-coloured limestone cottages set in the beautiful rural countryside it is a visual feast. The phrase ‘picture-postcard villages’ was invented for it.
    Cottages in the Cotswolds»
  • Romantic breaks in the Norfolk Broads. On the east of the UK, the Broads waterways wind their way through the delightful Norfolk and Suffolk villages. Whether you are on a boat or staying close by the Broads are a romantic setting for any break.
    Cottages in the Norfolk Broads»
  • Romance in the Brecon Beacons. If you are looking for a romantic place there is nowhere better than Wales, and the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia provide heart warming scenery that will inspire the romance in everyone.
    Cottages in the Brecon Beacons»

If these locations are not quite right for you don’t worry, you can search for romantic cottages and apartments across the UK.
Search for Romantic Cottages in England, Scotland and Wales

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Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup Self Catering

Cheltenham Festival and Gold CupWhether you are an avid racegoer, dedicated fashionista or are just looking for a good day out, The Cheltenham Festival which features the Cheltenham Gold Cup, is one of horse racings premier events and one of the highlights of the British social calendar.

In 2014 the Festival takes place between the 11th and 14th of March and is best described as ‘four days of atmosphere, anticipation and action, played out on a beautiful sporting arena that has no equal’.

Held over 4 days there is something for everyone:

  • Tuesday is the first day of the Cheltenham Festival, Champion Day, and features the most important hurdle race of the season, the Champion Hurdle.
  • Wednesday is Ladies Day so dress to impress! The best action is on the track though with the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
  • Thursday is better known as St Patrick’s Thursday and is the perfect place to kick off the celebrations. Racing includes the World Hurdle and Chase.
  • Friday is simply Cheltenham Gold Cup day – the big one! The climax of the entire Jump racing season and the day’s programme is arguably one of the best racing days of the year.

Whether you are looking to stay over the Cheltenham Festival week or just planning a visit to this wonderful Gloucestershire region, there is a superb selection of B&B and self catering accommodation ranging from cottages and apartments to lodges and cabins:

Where to head for a countryside summer holiday or spring break… AONB?

If you are wondering where to head on a summer holiday or a Spring break there is nowhere better to start than checking out our list of the official Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales.

Every place designated an AONB is considered to be of significant landscape beauty ranging from rugged coastline and water meadows to gentle lowland and upland moors – each one of them is a wonderful – perfect for a short break or cottage holiday.

There are 37 AONB in England and Wales, from the Suffolk Coast and Heaths to the Malvern Hills and the Gower Peninsula. Below are the links to our full list of the areas and some super self catering accommodation close by to help you make the most of your stay.

Of course the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are in addition to the British National Parks, that are also perfect for a cottage holiday.

Fairytale holiday in a Scottish Castle

Castle Apartment Montrose ScotlandHow about trying something new this year, with a short break or holiday in a Scottish castle?  Or may be a Scottish country estate is more your style?  Then again, there are mansions and spectacular converted churches also available for a self catering break in Scotland.

Whether you dreamt of a 16th Century castle, an uber stylish mansion or a traditional shooting lodge, our new collection of Scottish Castles and Country Homes could make it a reality for your 2014 break.

These properties are perfect for big families and large groups of friends as most have lots of bedrooms and facilities – from games rooms to hot tubs!  What’s more if you fancy really pushing the boat out, you can also arrange to have a butler, housekeeper or cook throughout your stay!

With over 100 to choose from you will find something to match your taste and your budget.

 

Self catering in Bridgwater Somerset

The sun is out, the skies are blue, time for another holiday thought.  So how about a self catering cottage break in the lovely Somerset town of Bridgwater?

The town of Bridgwater has plenty to interest visitors including shopping, historic buildings and an excellent selection of restaurants and pubs.  Also an annual Bridgwater Illuminated Carnival takes place in November.

Cheddar is only a few miles away as is Glastonbury, home of King Arthur and pop festivals.

The fascinating wetland areas surrounding Bridgwater are internationally renowned for wildfowl and wading birds.  Nearby Shapwick Heath has an excellent wetland nature reserve.

Check out self catering breaks in Bridgwater

Short breaks in Skipton, Yorkshire Dales

We love recommending places for you to go and stay in the UK & Ireland but today we are recommending somewhere we used to live, Skipton, in the wonderful Yorkshire Dales.

Skipton , Yorkshire DalesWell placed for visiting all that the Dales has to offer, the town of Skipton is also close to York, the Lake District and the West Coast.

This lovely market town has plenty to offer visitors and boasts an ancient castle open to the public, a beautiful old parish church and a colourful market occupying the cobbled setts on either side of the high street.

Visitors can enjoy a canal trip on a traditional barge or visit the Embsay Steam Railway, which offers regular steam train excursions throughout the weekend and is just a mile away.

Golf, swimming, squash, tennis and snooker are all available close by and the region is known for its effective public transport.

Skipton is a bustling market town and a hub for nightlife at the weekends.  If you crave city life, Skipton is jus a short car/bus/train journey to what is one of the UK’s loveliest regional cities – perfect for great shopping, eating and entertainment.

We loved it there, so why not check i out for yourself?  See self catering in Skipton

Perfect last-minute half term breaks – holiday lodges across the UK

Autumn holidays in the UK and irelandThe first term of school is really flying by and half term is almost here, so have you got something planned to keep the family entertained during the week off?

The Autumn half term is always a difficult one to predict the weather, changeable is most likely this late in October, so planning your half-term break with indoor and outdoor activities is a must.

We like to stay in family holiday lodges over the Autumn half term because it provides so many great solutions:

  • Whether situated on the coast or the countryside, a lodge is perfect for getting out and about quickly when the weather is clear and dry.  So you can quickly get out and about exploring and burning off some of that excess energy.
  • Of course, coming back to a lodge caked in mud or wet-through is always a bit easier…. mop-able floors and not your carpet!
  • Many lodges are on holiday parks which tend to run activities during the half term break – so you can get some time without the kids asking what’s next.
  • Of course lodges have some great facilities such as swimming pools and adventure playgrounds, so whatever the weather you can keep them entertained.

We think a holiday lodge is hard to beat for a half term holiday break and don’t worry, it’s not too late to book one for October/November.  There is still last-minute availability at some great prices.  Take a look at some half term holiday lodgesFor checking out last-minute availability you can also call 0844 847 1143.

Perfect for a half term break: Combe Martin, Devon, England

With the October half term nearly upon us, we think that Combe Martin in Devon will keep the whole family happy on a short break – seaside, Exmoor, North Devon…need we say more?

Located on the border between Exmoor National Park and the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the picturesque settlement of Combe Martin.

This little seaside resort, with a wide variety of amenities, is a great attraction for locals and visitors, and is home to a very popular beach. Lynton and Lynmouth, Woolacombe, Croyde Bay, Saunton Sands, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple are all within easy reach.

There are also numerous National Trust properties and gardens close by, offering unique insights into local history. Woolacombe beach is close by and is an excellent place for surfing, whilst the South West coastal path passes within a mile for those who love rambling.

So plenty of places to burn off energy, lots to explore and see… for a family getaway it’s just about perfect, so what’s stopping you?  Here is a few places to stay to get you started but there are plenty more for you to choose from… self catering in Combe Martin

Christmas & New Year cottage breaks

Why not do something a little different this year and getaway for a Christmas or New Year break?

Whether you fancy bracing fresh air on the coast or frost-white fields in the countryside a cosy cottage break is the ideal way to celebrate a family Christmas or to party in the New Year.  What better way to get in to the festive spirit than a bit of Christmas shopping in the pretty village stores or just hanging out at a friendly coffee shop and watch everyone else rush around buying their last-minute gifts!

Across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland there are just so many perfect places for a Christmas short break, for a couple, family or large group of friends… so take a look at some great ideas on our Christmas selection

If you are looking for a great place to bring in the New Year then head for one of the our city breaks where you are bound to find some great party celebrations.

 

SAVE 15% on Short Breaks in Cornwall Devon Dorset and Somerset

Enjoy a short break in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset and save 15% on your fabulous holiday cottage or apartment in April.

Find Cottage Holidays and Blue Chip Holidays are offering you a 15% discount code on holidays of 3-6 days if booked and first day on or before the 27th April.

This super voucher code offer is available on hundreds of luxury cottages and apartments in the West Country, this popular holiday region in the UK. Choose self catering on the coast or in the country ideal for couples, families of all sizes and even properties perfect for groups of friends.

Use the link below to view the self catering accommodation available, the discount links and the voucher code to use at the checkout.

Find out more »